Getting Your Heater/Furnace Ready for Winter

With fall well underway, it’s possible you’ve already turned your heat on during a particularly chilly day. When it’s 50-60 degrees outside, a furnace or central heater can warm up a home pretty quickly. Once temperatures start dropping below freezing, however, your home’s heating system is put to the test. If it’s not up to the challenge, you may be left sitting in the cold. 

Whether you rely on a gas or electric heating system, it’s important to take care of it. Improper maintenance can lead to your system underperforming or breaking. Here are a few simple steps you can take to ensure you’re ready for the winter ahead. 

Make Sure It’s Working 

If you haven’t used your furnace yet, it’s a great idea to turn it on to confirm it’s working properly. Even if it’s already warm in your home, take a moment to switch your furnace on and make sure that hot air starts coming out the vents.  

It’s better that you discover any problems now rather than later. The last thing you want is for a sudden cold day to arise, only to discover your furnace went out since the last time you used it.  

Change Your Filter 

Air filters are designed to protect your HVAC system from particles that can clog them up and reduce efficiency. They also keep your home’s air clean, filtering out dust, bacteria, and other particles. Because of the important work they do, they need to be changed every 2-3 months.  

Even if your furnace and AC share the same filter, and you just changed it during the summer, it’s still probably a good idea to change it now. 

Have Your System Inspected and Cleaned 

Even if you’re changing your air filters as you’re supposed to be, dirt and debris can build up in your system over time. That’s why it’s also important to have your system and air ducts professionally inspected and cleaned. This removes additional dust, debris, vermin, mold, and more, keeping your air clean while allowing your furnace to run at peak efficiency. 

Your air ducts should be cleaned every 3 years, while your HVAC unit should be inspected at least once a year. 

At Air Duct Cleaning & Radon Company, we provide professional, affordable HVAC and air duct cleaning in Dayton and Springfield, Ohio. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and make sure that your home is ready for winter.